Thermal dispersion switches utilize principles similar to thermal mass flow meters for pump protection, effectively detecting liquid flows and preventing damage from conditions like low flow. These switches feature no moving parts, various probe designs, and advanced microprocessor-based electronics, offering enhanced reliability and maintenance efficiency compared to mechanical alternatives. Their flexibility and diagnostic capabilities make them a competitive choice for diverse pump applications including both standard and high-viscosity liquids.

1. Technology
Thermal dispersion switches use similar principles as thermal
mass flow meters. Fluid carries heat away from the probe tip
reducing the temperature difference between a heated resistance
temperature detector (RTD) and a reference RTD. As the
temperature difference increases or decreases due to heat transfer,
the set point is reached and the relay de-energizes. Manufacturers
will refer to the switch being in “alarm” at set point. How the
relay is wired (NC-CO or NO-CO) depends on the needs of the
application.
High or low flows can both be detected by thermal dispersion
switches. For the purpose of this paper, it will be liquid flows as
opposed to gas, and low flow detection that is desired. Running
pumps in a dry state can damage parts or cause cavitation in
centrifugal pumps. Replacement parts can add up to thousands
of dollars. These costs do not include inefficiencies in pump
operation or downtime that affects production or operation.
Advantages
There are many technologies that can perform the function of
pump protection. Flow meters can be used, but a continuous flow
measurement is not always needed and flow meters typically cost
more than switches.
Mechanical flow switches use a mechanical operation to actuate a
relay. Typically, a vane or paddle is in the flow stream that swings
in the direction of the flow. When the vane moves a specific
distance, a magnetic sleeve rises to draw the magnet in to actuate
the switch. Moving parts can be subject to wear and increased
maintenance over time. If it is a viscous liquid or build-up is
present this can decrease reliability of the switch. A mechanical
flow switch may be desirable if there is limited on-site power. In
terms of the installation, the pipeline must be horizontal.
Tuning forks and ultrasonic gap switches are a few other
technologies that are used for pump protection. It is inherent
in the technologies that the fork or gap must be wet or dry for
detection. Therefore, they cannot detect decreasing flow rates
and the opening creates room for possible plugging. Common
applications for these switches are sumps or wet wells. Dual
ultrasonic gap switches have pump control modes where the unit
performs auto-fill or auto-empty as needed.
With thermal dispersion, the user gets the most robust feature set
and flexibility. This would include:
• No moving parts means less maintenance
• Many probe types for water or more viscous liquids
• Installation in horizontal or vertical lines and does not
need to be installed top dead center
• Optional remote mount electronics
• Hot tap options available
• Low flow detection as opposed to dry pipe
• Current output for trending and fault indication
• Temperature compensation to reduce set point drift
under varying operating temperatures
Probe Types
The standard probe design offered by thermal dispersion switch
manufacturers is a twin tip construction to house the sensors. The
High ∆T Low ∆T
Advantages of Thermal Dispersion
Switches for Pump Protection

2. twin tip is essentially two tubes welded to the end of the probe
that are in the process liquid.
Twin tip probes can be beneficial as multiple manufacturers have
similar designs. It has a very high pressure rating and is available
in many different materials of construction. While this probe is
suitable in liquid applications, it is typically recommended it in
gas applications unless the specifications require the use of this
design.
A unique design that is preferred for liquid applications is the
spherical tip probe. The lack of pins at the end of the probe
eliminates plugging in viscous applications while the thin wall
allows increased sensitivity with the process liquid. With pressure
ratings up to 600 psig (41 barg) and standard 316 stainless steel
material of construction it is suitable for most pump applications.
Electronics
The electronics are offered integral or remote to the probe and are
enclosed in an explosion proof housing. Wiring is simplified with
the terminals easily accessible without removal of the bezel or
any circuit boards. Along with the ease of installation come many
diagnostic features due to the microprocessor based electronics.
A useful diagnostic feature in the electronics is the current output.
It is not a linear 4-20 mA output, similar to a flow meter, but the
current will act as a live signal that varies with heat transfer. For
example, in a low flow condition the current may be 8 mA and
at normal flows 12 mA (output varies for each application). The
current will be repeatable for a given low flow set point. If there
is turbulence in the line, possibly being caused by a closed valve
with the pump still running, the sensor will see this turbulence as
a higher flow rate than what is actually occurring. Knowing this
live signal allows the user to monitor what the sensor is seeing
inside of the pipe.
Along with the trending capabilities of using the current output,
this output will also go low or high when a fault condition occurs
according to NAMUR NE 43. For pump applications where a low
flow alarm is desirable, the current will fall to less than or equal
to 3.6 mA during the fault. The microprocessor-based electronics
is essential for monitoring any open wires or if the flow goes out
of range. Without a microprocessor, the flow switch could be
subject to more noise, have drift issues and need more frequent
calibration to maintain the set point.
The user also has the option to select a window in the housing
of the electronics. This window allows viewing of the LEDs to
show normal operation (relay energized), alarm/set point (relay
de-energized) and fault conditions (relay de-energized). It is very
beneficial to confirm switch and process operation at a glance by
viewing the LEDs.
Because the principal of operation of thermal dispersion switches
is temperature dependent, manufacturers should provide
temperature compensation in the electronics circuitry. The purpose
of temperature compensation is to reduce set point drift under
varying operating temperatures. The THERMATEL Model TD2 with
Thermatel®
Model TD2 with Window
Thermatel®
Model TD1
with twin-tip probe
Thermatel®
Model TD2
with spherical tip probe

3. spherical tip probe was tested in water for a set point of 15 GPM
in a 2” pipe and showed minimal set point drift over a 75-185°F
(24-85°C) temperature swing.
Pump Installations
Bothpositivedisplacementandcentrifugalpumpshaveperformance
curves to maximize efficiency. There is an ideal combination of
differential head and flow rate that will provide the best results.
If monitoring the differential head, a thermal switch can be set
up to shut the pump down when it is operating below the ideal
flow rates. Worst case scenario, the thermal switch is installed to
verify there is liquid flow to prevent wear, eventual replacements
and downtime.
Installing the thermal switch in the suction or discharge piping is
acceptable. It is important to install in a location where the sensor
tip will see liquid movement (in case of a partially filled pipe).
When field calibrated, which is most often the case for thermal
switches, it is not necessary to install at the centerline of the
pipe. As long as the probe is far enough into the pipe to see liquid
movement then it will provide repeatability at the given flow rate.
A quarter to half way into the pipe is common.
Installing a few diameters away from the pump will reduce excess
turbulence. Turbulence may cause the switch to see higher flow
rates than what is actually occurring inside of the pipe. Movement
of liquid due to turbulence can theoretically create as much heat
transfer as the liquid flow itself. The aforementioned current
output is a helpful diagnostic feature in more difficult installations.
Summary
Thermal dispersion switches are used in pump protection
applications ranging from standard water to high viscosity liquids.
There are unique sensor designs
for each individual application,
including the popular spherical
tip, low flow bodies and high
temperature/pressure probes. The
multitude of probes in conjunction
with the advanced electronics make
thermal dispersion switches the
most competitive technology on the
market for pump protection.
Spherical Tip Sensor
Alarm vs. Temp
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Bulletin: 54-242.0
Effective: June 2014
Pump and unit installed
Model TD2
with low flow body